Are you planning a road trip around New Zealand or looking for the best spots to buy souvenirs in bulk? While Countdown and New World are great, there is a hidden gem for smart travelers: Costco New Zealand in Westgate, Auckland.
If you already have a Costco membership from your home country (yes, your international Costco card works in NZ!), dropping by before you start your Kiwi adventure can save you a fortune.
From road trip snacks to affordable souvenirs, here are the top 5 must-buy items at Costco NZ for tourists.
1. Road Trip Fuel: The Costco Food Court & Rotisserie Chicken
Before you hit the open road, you need cheap, filling food. Costco NZ offers the ultimate budget meal options.
- The Famous Rotisserie Chicken: For around $8-$9 NZD, you get a massive, hot, seasoned chicken. Pair it with a loaf of bread from the bakery, and you have lunches sorted for the next 2-3 days of driving.
- Food Court Pizza & Hot Dogs: The legendary giant pizza slices and the hot dog + drink combo are the cheapest meals you will find in Auckland.
2. Bulk Whittaker’s Chocolate (The Ultimate Gift)
Whittaker’s is New Zealand’s finest mainstream chocolate and the #1 souvenir everyone takes home.
- Why buy it at Costco: While regular supermarkets sell individual blocks, Costco often stocks bulk packs or massive share-packs of mini Whittaker’s bars. It is the most cost-effective way to buy gifts for your coworkers, friends, and family back home.
3. High-Quality Manuka Honey & Health Supplements
New Zealand Manuka Honey is world-famous for its health benefits, but it can be incredibly expensive at airport duty-free shops or tourist souvenir stores.
- Why buy it at Costco: Costco NZ stocks premium, certified Manuka Honey (look for UMF or MGO ratings) at warehouse prices. You can also find bulk New Zealand green-lipped mussel capsules and propolis here.
4. Bulk Road Trip Snacks (Jerky, Nuts, and Cookie Time)
New Zealand is made for long drives, which means you need serious snacks for the car.
- What to grab: Look out for giant bags of Cookie Time (NZ’s iconic chocolate chip cookie), local premium beef jerky, and massive tubs of roasted macadamia or cashew nuts. Buying these in bulk at the start of your trip will save you from paying high prices at remote petrol stations.
5. Local NZ Wine & Craft Beer Cases
New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are world-class. If you enjoy a drink at your Airbnb or campsite after a long day of hiking, Costco’s liquor department is a paradise.
- Why buy it at Costco: You can purchase cases of highly-rated Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or local Kiwi craft beer varieties at a fraction of the price compared to boutique liquor stores.
Summary for Your NZ Road Trip Shopping List:
- Rotisserie Chicken & Food Court (Cheap road trip meals)
- Bulk Whittaker’s Chocolate (Best value for gifts)
- Manuka Honey (Cheaper than duty-free)
- Cookie Time & Bulk Snacks (Car snack stock-up)
- Local NZ Wines (Affordable Airbnb drinks)
Pro Tip for Travelers: Don’t forget to bring your physical Costco membership card from home, as digital apps from other countries don’t always scan perfectly at the NZ registry!
Are you visiting New Zealand soon? Which of these items are going into your trolley? Let me know in the comments!